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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Roasted Chickpeas

I think most people enjoy a crunchy snack. I know some who refuse to eat beans and nuts, but I love both. If you like nuts, I urge you to try roasted chickpeas. You remember chickpeas... the beans that are in hummus? If you don't like hummus, no worries, this taste is completely different. They are healthy and they have the flavor of a bean, but the crunchiness of a nut. I like to make these and keep them at my desk for snacking during the workday. I like mine a little salty, a bit garlicy, and somewhat spicy, hence my choice of spices.

I've seen this recipe done several ways, but I've found that roasting the chickpeas without oil, then tossing them in oil halfway through the cooking process leaves you with crunchy, nutty chickpeas. Nobody wants to snack on mushy beans.

I normally double this recipe. I can eat one batch in a single workday, so I need to have a backup. Bonus? This is not only a healthy snack, it's also (relatively) inexpensive.

This is an easy recipe, but I'll warn you that your entire home will smell like roasted chickpeas... not that it's a bad thing.

First drain and rinse your chickpeas...

Spread them out on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove them from the oven and toss them in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings.

Pour the beans back on the baking sheet, return them to the oven, and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the chickpeas are fragrant and golden brown. A few may burn, just toss 'em.

I like to let mine cool completely before enjoying them. They tend to get crunchier as they cool.

Remove chickpeas from oven after 15 minutes, carefully pour into the spice mixture. Toss to coat.

Return chickpeas to baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes or until chickpeas are golden brown and fragrant. Toss out any burned chickpeas and let the rest cool completely on the baking sheet.

I just recently started NOT hating chickpeas. I do like that they're crunchy, and I have seen several recipes for this snack. Since I'm really trying to eat better more consistently, I'll be giving this recipe a try once it gets cool enough to use my oven.